Everything you've ever wanted to know about planning your wedding and then some

Did you know about 50% of us over pay for our mobil phones and phone bills? That’s insane!! I mean, do you have that kind of extra money? I don’t. I’ve been a long time Best Buy shopper and frankly, when I need an upgrade I don’t go to a mobile store, I go to Best Buy. Why…let’s face it, there are so many phones, carriers and options their only concern is you get the best phone for your needs…not what the phone carrier says you need. That’s customer service!

Best Buy has a great “compare” option that allows you to put the things you are looking for in a phone, with the carrier you prefer and up pops the best phone for you and your budget. It even tells you if it’s available “in store” right now, taking the guess work out of it. They also can do (in store) an analysis of your cell phone bill and can show you how you can SAVE MONEY! When was the last time that happened?

Best Buy makes it easy to compare and shop for cell phone plans and devices from top carriers and brands and when I was at BlogHer 16, I had the opportunity to hear from them and see some new products on the market. I love my Samsung 6 and didn’t expect to fall in love with the new GalaxyNote7.

This beauty…oh, there are just so many features to love: the cool new design, extra long battery life and super fast speed. The 64GB base model (which you can upgrade) leaves you plenty of space for photos, videos and games, and it’s a real improvement over 2015’s Note 5. The best feature for me, is the stylus that allows me to write actual notes, draw and make an animated GIF. I also love that this is the first waterproof Galaxy Note, which is great as I head to the pool. Have to get those action shots for Instagram!! There are tons of other features like the iris scanner (offering extra security) that make this a fall Must Buy!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Some think that picking out the engagement ring is tough – and in some cases it is. The right “size, shape, color”, is it new or something that is a family heirloom. When it comes to picking out your registry, you can breathe a sign of relief because Best Buy wedding registry takes all the stress out of your wedding planning with home goods that you’ll both enjoy. These are my top five picks from Best Buy to help any engaged couples new life together the best.

1 – TV anyone? This is awesome for gathering around for date night, simple movies and let’s not forget all the sports that your spouse (and possibly you too) will love to watch with family and friends.2 – Technology is key in the 21st century. How about new matching mobile devices, music players or laptops? This makes staying in touch and getting those thank you notes off to your guests easier. They also have an awesome “Geek Squad”, that can help you with any of your computer related questions.

3 – New appliances may be needed in your new home and how about that washer, drier or stainless steel wine fridge you’ve had your eye on. While these may seem big-ticket items, they are great for “Group Gifting”. What’s that you ask? It allows gift-givers to give any amount they want, so couples can ask for the gifts you really want and not worry about price point. Great for your officemates or bridal party who want to pool funds for your gift.

4 – It’s party time and a new stereo and/or speakers will set your party off right! Music systems will help with amazing surround sound for parties both in and out of your home. Placing your speakers near or via blue tooth, will have your guests enjoying every moment.

5 – I don’t know about you but nothing makes for a great party but awesome food and cocktails. That’s why a microwave, toaster, blender or coffee maker must be on your registry. Fun food just completes your new home and cocktails or coffee make everything meal perfect all year round.

Best Buy has a great choice of gifts that will fit any registry request. Remember that all items $199 and over can be considered for their “group gifting” option. This allows you to ask for what you really want, without asking your guests to spend more than they are comfortable with—so dream big. Remember Best Buy Wedding Registry has Free Shipping, No Minimum. So whatever your “Top Five” products, big or small, expensive or affordable, all ship for free saving your guests money.

So check out Best Buy and take the stress out of your registry planning. Now back to finding the perfect dress….

While a huge Best Buy fan, this is a sponsored post and I’ve been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Can you believe it’s ALREADY Labor Day?! During these last hot days of summer, there is no better cocktail to help celebrate than Snow Leopard Vodka. It’s cool, refreshing and these cocktails will go down oh-so-refreshingly smooth. Are you planning your engagement party this weekend? Why not make one of these your signature cocktail. If you’re not feeling like cooking or are looking for a fun evening out, then you really have to try either Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003) or Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001) where you can experience the SnowHound and Bright Lotus respectfully there and then re-create it at home.

If you are a vodka lover (like I am) you will truly enjoy Snow Leopard Vodka. So be cool, think cool and have a “snow” kind of Labor Day.

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning your wedding registry shouldn’t be. While there are a lot of places out there that have registries, Best Buy has one that will help you create a great “experience registry”.

Let’s face it most couples are living together before they get hitched. What you’re really looking for is those “slightly hard to find on other registries” items. You know, things that will help keep the spark in your relationship (mood lighting); create an enjoying time with other couples (dinner party) or even capturing those special moments (your honeymoon or other highlights).

Register for game night! Break out your new TV and Xbox, take the chip-and-dip from your other registry out of the box, and have all your friends over for a dance party or a Call of Duty or Orange is the new Black marathon.

How about that new camera (with great digital to internet ability), to capture your honeymoon? Everyone can use new Bluetooth speakers (for those weekend parties or party on the beach) or how about the perfect extra-large TV (for super bowl with the gang or super-night in, just you and your honey?).

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What’s always great – your bridal party or office can “pool” their funds together to get what you want through Group Gifting. This elevates stress and EVERYONE IS HAPPY!

Even if your relatives are miles away, they can send your gift to you, no matter the cost, with Best Buys great FREE SHIPPING. Exchanges, no problem and what you don’t get everything from your guests, you will enjoy a 10% discount so you can buy them yourself.

Because Best Buy is all about making your shopping experience seamless, if you happen think of something that isn’t yet on your registry, you can Text GETAPP to 332211 to download the Best Buy app, and add items by scanning them in store or while shopping online.

When thinking of your wedding registry, Best Buy has great options, and with so many offerings, at least your registry will be stress free. Happy Registering!!

Disclaimer: Thereviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Now is the time to get moving and even small steps will help you not only get fit, but lead a healthier and longer life. John Hancock teamed up with Chris O’Donnell, star of NCIS: Los Angeles to help us all recognize that getting healthy means physically, emotionally and financially. Even small steps are better than no steps right? Working in partnership with Vitality, John Hancock is offering an entirely new kind of life insurance that rewards you for living a healthier lifestyle. What would you do with #5MoreNow?

The John Hancock | Vitality exclusive partnership is offering a new kind of life insurance that integrates wellness benefits with life insurance products. This means you will really save on your premiums. The more you save, the more you are rewarded. So how does it work? After you complete your life insurance process you take an online Vitality Health Review to help determine your “Vitality Age” (it just means your overall health). Then you receive a personalized goals assessment to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle. To help you along, John Hancock will give you a free Fitbit to track your progress. SCORE!! As you gain in your “Vitality Status” you can earn even more savings and rewards. For example, Policyholders can earn travel, shopping, and entertainment-related rewards and discounts, including half-price Hyatt hotel nights, 20-50% off major brand cruise packages, and gift cards from leading retailers like Whole Foods, REI, iTunes, Starbucks, Fandango, and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity and truly important for you as a new couple. Life insurance isn’t something that one thinks about immediately or at all…until it’s too late. Honestly, it should be one of the first things you do together as a couple. Protect each other. Get healthy together and in the end you will save a lot of money on medical expenses.

You can find out much more by going to the John Hancock website http://www.jhrewardslife.com/ This is the best investment you can make for yourself and each other.

Breakups to Makeup, known for its unique accessories featuring quirky cosmetic-related slogans, has partnered with SEPHORA COLLECTION on a new accessories assortment, launching on Sephora.com and SEPHORA stores across the US and Canada starting today, April 10, 2015. You’ll be able to find “LOSING YOU HURT BUT LOSING MY MAKEUP BAG WOULD BE A TRAGEDY” and “I WOULD CRY BUT MY MASCARA IS DESIGNER”, as well as a SEPHORA COLLECTION exclusive clutch with the phrase “LIFE IS SHORT, WEAR MORE MAKEUP”.

“The goal of Breakups to Makeup has always been to encourage the artistic expression and empowerment that many makeup enthusiasts feel makeup has brought into their lives. We are beyond thrilled to become a part of the beauty wonderland that they have created.” – Angelique Velez, Founder, Breakups to Makeup

So no surprise that these two would come together all in the name of beauty.

Retailing at $24 USD, they can be used as a statement piece or a travel bag to fit easily inside of your kit or suitcase. Made with a natural colored canvas material and are screen-printed with different catchy quotes on the front, definitely not your usual makeup bag!

Spring is finally here, or at least that’s what the calendar says. In preparation for your Easter or Mother’s Day brunch how about some delicious brunch sips from MARTINI Sparkling Wines. Take the pressure off creating the perfect brunch by serving up some of these signature crafted cocktails, created with family and those you love in mind. Whether celebrating at home with breakfast in bed or cooking for the entire family, elevate your celebration with Martini Prosecco. Martini is not only the number one selling sparkling wine in the world, it’s the most affordable too. At only $14.99 for a bottle of Prosecco, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy a delicious bubbly beverage!

You know how I love to pair cocktails and food, so if you are heading out for brunch in New York City don’t forget to stop by Donatella Arpaia’s new Italian eatery, Prova, to try out the exclusive Martini Belle View cocktail. Prova is located at 184 8th Avenue, New York, and is the only location in New York City to sell this specialty cocktail. So why not try it and have some amazing nibbles while you’re there.

MOTHER’S DAY AND EASTER BRUNCH COCKTAILS:

Serve mom breakfast in bed with these delectable cocktails

MARTINI® Mom-osa

2 parts chilled MARTINI® Asti

1 part Orange Juice

Pour orange juice into a flute glass. Top with MARTINI® Asti and garnish with strawberry.

MARTIN® Prosecco Bellini

2 parts white peach puree

MARTINI® Prosecco

Pour white peach puree into a glass. Top with chilled MARTINI® Prosecco and serve.

For an extra special treat, garnish with your favorite fruit

MARTINI® Bella

1 ½ parts Bombay

½ part Saint Germain

½ part Lemon juice

½ part Amarena syrup

¾ part Kir royal- blended tea

Top off MARTINI® Prosecco

Pour all the ingredients into a shaker except for the prosecco. Shake and double strain into a coupe. Top it off with Martini prosecco. Garnish with Amarena, lime and lemon zest.

Created exclusively for PROVA Resturant by New York’s Most Imaginative Bartender 2014, Enzo Cangemi